Issue 321 – Working together for the Cheese and Grain

REPRESENTATIVES of Frome Town Council and the Cheese and Grain have met together to work towards the future of the Cheese and Grain.

At the meeting on Tuesday 15th February, both parties agreed to work together for the retention and enhancement of the Cheese and Grain.
In a statement, Frome Town Council said, “Everyone concerned will be working together to build on the progress made by the current Cheese and Grain team to develop new ideas, for public consultation, on how the Cheese and Grain should grow in the future. Arrangements have been made for the respective staff at the Cheese and Grain and the council to meet together and to work towards a smooth integration of both organisations.”
In the meantime, it’s business as usual for the highly valued community venue, with a full programme of markets, concerts, and events planned throughout the year.

The venue is currently in the hands of the trustees, but last year the town council resolved to take over the management of the Cheese and Grain from the 1st April 2012 and “annul the current lease between the two parties, if requested by the Cheese and Grain.”
From April, Frome Town Council will offer a monthly grant of £2,917 to the Cheese and Grain for up to 12 months on the condition that the Cheese and Grain agrees to work co-operatively with Frome Town Council to maintain services and develop a business plan for the future.
The resolution was passed by the town council following a period of acrimony between trustees of the Cheese and Grain and Frome town councillors after the town council revealed it was considering withdrawing the venue’s grant.